Understanding how heart cells respond to stress after a heart attack.
Official title: Defining the role of mechanotransduction pathways in activating cardiac fibroblasts to cause fibrosis after myocardial infarction.
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10900420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain heart cells get activated to create scar tissue after a heart attack, with the goal of finding new ways to help people with heart conditions by reducing harmful fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | September 14, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,921 |
| NIH project number | 1F30HL173967-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900420 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a myocardial infarction and are at risk for developing cardiac fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those who have not experienced a heart attack may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which heart cells, specifically cardiac fibroblasts, become activated to produce scar tissue following a heart attack (myocardial infarction). By examining how changes in the heart's structure and stress levels influence these cells, the study aims to uncover new targets for therapies that could reduce harmful fibrosis. The approach combines advanced imaging techniques, computational modeling, and animal models to provide a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to improved treatments for heart conditions associated with fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that reduce heart tissue scarring and improve heart function after a heart attack.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cardiac fibrosis, but this specific approach to mechanotransduction pathways is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, John Ming — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Lu, John Ming
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.